jimmy@thelittlescroll.com

That we are saved by grace, and not by works, is without question. This is the rock sold foundation of the Christian faith. Christ's sacrifice has covered our sins – those of commission as well as those of omission. We do good works because we are saved, and not to be saved, and we can never do enough, but with God's help we can and will do more.

I often wonder if I, throughout my life, will disappoint my Lord and Savior on that day when I stand before Him in Heaven. So many opportunities lost. So many times when I did what I ought not and did not what I ought. Thank God for His Mercy and Grace, without which I am the most miserable of men. All Praise and honor to Him, and Glory to God in the Highest. He is sufficient for me – He alone – and lo! I am made new! I will do more! And I will glory in God's Glory that what I do is never enough, and cannot be enough, yet it is more than I could ever have done, or will ever do, otherwise.

His Grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in my weakness. For when I am weak, then I am strong (II Corinthians, 12: 9 and 10).

In my absolute spiritual bankruptcy I find God's Grace – it cannot be found elsewhere. In God's Grace I find faith. Through faith, God works His Will in me. And the evidence of His Will at work in me is found in my works. In a very real sense, it is He Who is doing them, and not I. Give Him the Glory for them, for none of it is mine. Let Him do more through me, for I alone can do nothing.

See! Even my works (that is, those works I do through faith) are not of me, but of God. It is He who is working through me, and not myself working for Him. The real joy – indeed, the only joy – we find in our works is the evidence that God has accomplished His Grace in us.

Do not worry about works. Submit to God, and He will do all the work.

The Charm of the Redeemed

They serve,

Not for the favor of men,

Nor for the favor of God,

But having the favor of God,

They serve.

Copyright James K. Bowling

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